The Mate He Couldn’t Control (complete)

Chapter 6

I was outside again, with Jaylon standing in front of me. This time he had both of his hands out and his smile came with trapped tears. I went to grab his hands, but he pulled me into a tight hug that made me feel at peace. We pulled apart, but he still kept his arms wrapped around my waist. “I can’t believe the time has finally come. You're finally you. You’re finally home. You’re finally mine.”

“What do you mean? I’ve always been me?”

“No. You’re free. I promise everything is going to make sense now. I’m going to be with you every step of the way,” he smiled down at me lovingly as his tears began to fall. As I wiped his cheeks with my thumbs, he leaned forward and placed a few kisses on my forehead. I knew this was another one of my dreams, but I couldn’t fight the urge to comfort him. The second we pressed our foreheads together, it was over.

I shot awake covered in sweat and my heart was beating out of my chest. I don’t know why because I didn’t even have a bad dream. I was happy. When I went to move my blanket off of me it started. My body started tingling and then cracking. The world around me became dark and quiet and it was just me sitting in my own head. But then my body popped more and all of a sudden I could see again. Perfectly. My hearing came back sharp and I could hear even the smallest things around me. I tried to move and realized that my body felt different. I was hot and I felt huge. I looked down at my arms to see that they were covered in white fur and that they were now legs. What the hell? I stepped off of my bed and landed on all fours and walked over to my mirror. Oh my God! I’m a huge white wolf.

How is this possible? Why did it happen? Am I stuck like this forever now? What does this mean? Every question you could think of popped into my head at that moment and I felt like I was going to burst. I decided to go outside because I had an undying urge in me to run. But, how the hell am I supposed to get out? I’m a huge wolf and I won't be able to go through my bedroom door.

I could hear the wind from outside and my eyes shot to my back balcony. I ignored my questions and ran and jumped off of my balcony. Normally common sense would tell me no, but I’m a wolf. There is no common sense for this. There is ‘figure it out as you go’.

I landed hard on my… paws(?) but for some reason, it didn’t hurt. I instantly darted off and I felt so free. The air blew through my fur and it was like I was flying through the forest. I was addicted to the feeling and I couldn’t stop. I just wanted to keep pushing forward. I kept doing this until the sun started to peek from behind the trees.

After spending the whole night running like a wild animal, which I guess I was now, the concern started to creep in. I had always been obsessed with books and movies of the fantasy genre, so I had at least some idea of what was going on. Obviously, this was an inherited gene, I mean my obsession with a movie genre won’t make me become a wolf. I always knew that the ideas for the movies, tv shows, and books had to come from somewhere. My current concern was to shift back into a human and then I will figure it out from there. But how? I thought about how I would do it for a second and then it just happened. Ahh, so think and you shall receive. I wonder if magic is similar.

I sighed in relief when I was much smaller and less hairy, but then I realized I was naked in the middle of the forest. I started running back to my house before anyone saw me. I made sure no one was in eyesight as I opened the backdoor. I crept up the side staircase and went into my room. I jumped in the shower and scrubbed all of the dirt off of me.

I was up all night, but for some reason, I was full of energy. I felt like I was about to jump out of my skin. My body was warmer and I felt stronger and taller. Was I taller? I felt like I was looking at things from a different angle, it wasn’t that much, just enough to notice. After my shower, I went to observe my outfit mirror only to be shocked. I’m a few inches taller, my hair is white and now to my belly button, my face looked more toned, and my eyes were colder. I looked absolutely beautiful, but a part of me wanted to cry. If I would have known that yesterday was the last time I’d see my golden blonde locks and warm blue eyes, I probably would have looked in the mirror a little longer. I guess I really am starting over and being a different person.

I stood in the mirror mesmerized for a minute and then went downstairs. I was surprised to see my cousins, aunt, and uncle sitting at the table with my parents and nephews. No one noticed I came in, so I got some food off of the counter and sat in between my nephews. Everyone started staring at me. I mean yeah… I look a little different but don’t make it awkward. If the movies were right, that would mean all of them know about it, so it’s just a matter of who’s gonna be the one to say something. I made bets with myself in my head with a smirk as I ate pancakes. I can wait.

My innocent nephews though had no idea what was happening. They told me that I looked really pretty today and asked if I got my hair done. The thing with kids is that they always say exactly what’s on their minds, so when I get a compliment, it completely melts my heart. It’s genuine from them.

I smiled up at Bridget who didn’t bother hiding her stares. “Is there something on my face?” I asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.

“No, just in my head you know?” she replied and looked at her food. I nodded in understanding before finishing eating while my nephews told me about their plans for the day, which was just them volunteering me to do everything they wanted to do. I heard flickering and my eyes shot to the kitchen counter to see my mom lighting candles. She turned around to see that I was looking and started lecturing me about learning to enjoy surprises. She put a plate of muffins with lit candles in front of me. Aww.

After breakfast, my mom took me to another town to go shopping. The rest of my family stayed at my house to entertain my nephews with the pool obstacle course we set up before I left. That was the only way my parents could keep them home. My nephews were well behaved for the most part so I knew the only reason they and my dad didn’t come was that my mother was going to talk with me. I didn’t mind though, I like shopping and spending time with my mom. I also like having my questions answered. Jaylon said in my dream that everything would make sense soon. It does, but not completely. There are some blank spots here and there.

We went to a few stores before I found what I wanted to wear tonight and headed for the hair salon. The car was silent for a few minutes which meant she was thinking of what to say. “What are you thinking about?” I asked, being the loud person that I am.

“You have been acting different since we got here, especially today. I was curious to know if you had anything you wanted to tell me. Is it Jaylon? Was your night bad?” She glanced over at me curiously before putting her eyes back on the road.

“I guess I’m just getting older, mom. And no, my night was fine,” I replied. I was not going to be the one confessing today. The confident smirk that made its way onto my face caused my mom to send me her glare. This was not working this time. She is going to spill one way or the other.

“Have you been having any more problems lately? Headaches? Cramps? Tiredness?”

“Not since last night.”

“Oh, so they just stopped? No headaches or anything?”

“You could say that,” I replied, watching out the window intently. I had something to look for now. Her questions faded in the background as I was focused on something or someone. I could feel my skin radiating like it did last night and then she yelled my name making me snap out of it. For some reason, I got irritated and turned to her. “Have you been feeling different lately, mother?”

She looked shocked for a second then gave me her death glare and started scolding me. To be fair, I didn’t mean to snap. I had no idea why I was even irritated, but I let her rant on. I hated taking things out on my parents, but I didn’t even know what I was taking out on her. Disruption of concentration? The ranting stopped when we got into the hair salon, which I was thankful for. My mom and I are very close but it is because of that that we tend to be on each other's last nerve.

That night at a restaurant out of town, I was having a conversation with my nephews when I heard Dalton say my name. My head snapped in his direction. “Do you have any plans after this?”

“No, I don’t know anyone from here but you and Nick,” I replied, giving him an obvious look.

“Well, we are going to a bonfire tonight and want you to come. It will be good for you to meet some people before school starts,” he replied referring to him and Bridget.

“Sure,” I replied, thankful that I brought a second pair of shoes.

“Have you talked to your boyfriend yet?” he asked, taunting me.

“Not really. He texted me happy birthday at midnight and I haven’t heard a word since. He’s busy I guess,” I mumbled, hiding the sadness from my voice. It’s embarrassing honestly. Three or four days and I’m already lonely without him. Pathetic really. I suppose there's a meaning behind it though. The dreams and my never-ending obsession with him. Everything has a reason, a purpose, and I’m sure my bond with Jaylon is the same.

The waitresses brought our desserts and of course, mine had candles in them. I blew them out and opened gifts while we ate. I got two pairs of heels and one pair of flats from my cousins. My mom got me a diamond bracelet and necklace with a blue diamond in the middle. My dad gave me a crown that was his mom's that she loved to wear on special occasions. I mean it's extra but it's also me at the same time. It was a blue diamond cycle crown and my eyes glittered when I saw it. It was by far the most beautiful thing I have ever seen and I was drawn to it.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I changed into my air forces in Dalton’s car as we were halfway there. He turned to look at me with a smirk. “So, how was it?”

“The dinner was great.”

“You know that’s not what I am talking about,” he replied, giving me the side-eye. Bridget leaned forward in her seat and put her elbows on the shoulders of our seats. She glared at her brother through the mirror, which just made him smile. “Look, her parents wanted her to find out after the transition, well it's after the transition and still no one is talking about it. I mean hell, there was no reason to keep it a secret in the first place,” Dalton said as if lifting a weight off of himself. I didn’t expect him to be the one to crack.

“It was fine, but I would have preferred not having to read anyone's mind to know if I was going to die or not,” I replied casually. Even though it wasn’t. This was far from casual.

“Well, I think they wanted you to have a normal life and when you were younger, they didn’t want you going to school talking about it. Your siblings knew though,” Bridget said, causing my face to move in shock. Why did they get to know?

“How come they could know if I couldn’t?”

“Because they grew up here and no outsiders are here to listen to their stories. You grew up around outsiders, they couldn’t risk it,” Dalton said, randomly spinning off the road and driving into the forest while I worried over him driving into a tree. They were listing off things for me to be careful of while I could barely keep my eyes open from fear. Dalton slammed on the breaks as I was making a mental note: don’t follow anyone off, don’t start a fight, and don’t hook up with anyone.

I was relieved when I realized that they were all things I wouldn’t do anyway. Before either of them got out they turned to me, Bridget handing me a white cropped hoodie. “Consider this our birthday present to you. Do not, under any circumstances, let anyone see that necklace. Ever,” Dalton instructed, giving me the most serious look I have ever seen on his face. I nodded and we got out of the car. I pulled the hoodie over my head as we walked further towards the loud music and screaming. I mean, it didn’t ruin my outfit, it just made my dress look like a cute skirt.

As we got to a clearing at one of the cliffs, I could see the large flames and a movie being projected on a large sheet off to the side. I stopped, looking for something to do as Bridget ran off and Dalton was stopped by a brunette jumping in front of him. I strive in public situations, now I just need to find someone that’s open. I could feel the many eyes on me as I observed the crowd. I recognized all of them from my ‘dreams’. I guess it was a pack thing. Where’s Nick? A girl that was shorter than me with straight, dirty blonde hair came up to me questioningly. “You look oddly familiar, but I know I have never seen you before. What’s your name?” Well, I guess not all. She was the only one that wasn’t in the dream. She is also the only one that seems different. Whatever she is, she isn’t like the rest of them.

“That is odd. You look familiar as well. I’m Alison,” I replied with a soft smile.

The second I said my name, she stiffened and her whole expression changed. Her questioning look faded and a bright smile appeared. I’ve been around thousands of people in my life at least. The calculation in her eyes told me everything her face hid. It’s an act, but why? “Oh! You are a King! Hi! I’m Loren!”

“It’s nice to meet you,” I beamed at her, only mine wasn’t calculated. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt, but only once. Maybe it’s her nerves or awkwardness.

“Finally you’ve come off King land! Would you like something to drink?” she questioned as I tried to hide my confusion. King land? Well, I guess that’s why I haven’t seen anyone. My parents made their land off limits. I guess it's because of me.

“Is there anything without alcohol?”

“Of course not, is there a reason?” she glanced down at my stomach and I stepped back for a second, shocked.

“Oh, oh no! Definitely not, I’m just not a big fan of it,” I replied awkwardly. She studied me with her eyes before grabbing my hand. I flinched in shock when I felt it. Something about her was dark. It’s like her touch drained my energy for a second. I pulled my arm away and played it off.

“Come on, let me introduce you to your cousin's mate!” I followed without seeing any reason not to. Yes, I had a bad feeling, but until I know what that means I can’t just hold a grudge. I can however remember it for later. I was met with a blonde girl who looked nothing like the girl I saw earlier. Dalton is just as much of a hoe as Jaylon!

I tried to hide my surprised expression as Loren introduced her as Angelina Chase. “It’s nice to meet you, I’m Alison.”

“Ah, you are the one he talks about so much! Girl, Dalton, and Jaylon have been waiting for you to turn for years! He hates leaving people out of the loop,” she replied with a giggle. Loren shared a fake confused laugh herself before I heard my name being called from behind me.

“I don’t know why no one told me saturday. They already announced that I would be saying so it shouldn’t have mattered.”

“I’m not sure why either. Something about you parents,” she sighed out. “Where is Dalton? Where’s Bridget?”

“Bridget’s talking to Anthony and I haven’t seen Dalton? Have you?” Loren questioned.

“Oh I think one of his friends stopped him. I haven’t seen him since,” I replied casually. I’m not sure if I’m telling the truth or covering because how was I supposed to know what I saw earlier? Either way, I just met this girl. I can't ruin my cousin's relationship within a second of arriving.

“Anyways, so what's your number? You should totally come over tomorrow,” Loren offered. Well, what do I have to do tomorrow?

“Yeah, sure,” I mumbled, before giving them both my number. I felt bad. Angelina was filled with worry and Loren’s worried about my phone number? Maybe it was her way of distracting her? I’m not sure. That’s what I used to do with Anna, but of course I would use a much better distraction than that. Usually comedy. As if on cue, Dalton made his way over and my eyes widened before I could control myself. Thankfully Angelina was too focused on him to see my face, but she smelled it too. The other girl. Her face said she wasn’t a friend. Immediately, she ran away and Dalton chased after her screaming ‘wait-wait-wait!’. I hope that’s just a misunderstanding.

“Oh so I see the birthday girl has been hiding!” I heard someone drunkenly announce from behind me. Loren rolled her eyes at whoever it was and said she was going to find Bridget. Slowly, I turned to see a very out of it Nick. He was with a group of friends, the same that I saw him with at the diner. Jacob included.

“I have not been hiding,” I defended, making my way over to the group as all of the attention was now on me. Oh, so this is a birthday party? I cringed with every step as Jacob started off the song that I hate hearing every year. At this point, I think the only purpose of it is to make you sit there awkwardly for a few seconds unsure what to do and how to act. I smiled awkwardly as I came to a stop in front of Nick. The fire behind me was lighting up his face as he looked down at me. I could read the confusion on his face, which made mine return it. “You look so different. . . your hair,” he trailed off looking up.

“Is this not normal?”

“No. A shift wouldn’t change your appearance.”

I hid my confusion with a few blinks and then my smile returned. Nick introduced me to Ethan, Seth, Benny, and Jacob again. Seth was the first to say something to me, “Well I can understand why everyone's been keeping you hidden.”

“Well I wouldn’t say hidden, I was very much out in the open.”

“Yeah, for one day,” Jacob replied with a smirk.

We were interrupted when two girls walked up. The first was the brunette I saw Dalton with and the second looked very similar in the face but she was redheaded. “Please tell me you aren’t embarrassing Nick. You can’t just run off every girl he talks to,” The first one said. “Hi, I’m Julia!” I wasn’t sure how I should act around her since Dalton’s mate that was now clinging to him was so nice to me, but I didn’t know their drama and it had nothing to do with me. I hope that now that they were all lovey-dovey that it was just a misunderstanding. I smiled back at her as she introduced me to her sister Penelope. This whole group made me feel so welcome. The whole pack really. Nick was right, I would be just fine. I stayed chatting with the group for a little while before Bridget came over to see how I was doing.

“I see you didn’t need any help getting introduced,” she said, looking from them to me. She gave Julia an empathetic glance. “What have you guys been talking about?”

“They just asked me to come back tomorrow.”

“Ah, how sweet,” was all I got before she glared at the boys in front of me and walked away.

“What was that about?” Penelope asked, watching her walk away.

“She thinks we're trying to seduce Little Bit over here,” Ethan explained, nodding towards me with a smirk.

“I’m sure you would be murdered if you tried,” Julia threw replied. “You remember how well the diner stunt went. . .”

Within an hour, they had introduced me to everyone at the party and dragged me away every time someone tried to start a lengthy conversation with me. The boys were now taking bets with everyone. I stood at the edge of the cliff with Penelope and Julia as all of the boys in the group but Nick jumped down into the water. I wondered why he changed his mind but then he looked at me. “Will you jump with me?”

“Of course,” I said overdramatically and kicked my shoes off. I can live in soggy clothes. But shoes? No.

“Wait seriously?”

“Come on, you're taking too long!” I complained, grabbing his hand and pulling him off the cliff with me. I’m not one of those boring people that just sits around and watches others have fun. I will gladly participate, even if I don’t know them. They will know me afterwards.

We landed in the moonlit water and I could feel my necklace float up from under my hoodie. Nick looked at the glowing pendant and then back to me as if trying to say something. I let go of his hand and put it back under my hoodie, before swimming up to the surface. Nick popped up beside me.

“Damn I was worried for a minute, it took you two a minute to pop up,” Benny replied jokingly.

“You were worried? They almost took me down with them!” Jacob complained.

“Sorry,” I giggled.

“Don’t be, you can fall on me anytime,” he smirked, making me roll my eyes. We all swam to shore and walked back to the party. I stayed by the fire to warm up when my concerned cousins walked up.

“What happened to you?” Bridget started.

“They got dared to cliff dive and it looked fun so I went with them.” Dalton’s expression softened, but Bridget’s remained. She really doesn’t like them.

Dalton turned his attention to Nick whose expression dimmed slightly, “Be careful with my cousin Knight,” his tone was hard. It was an order and a warning. He turned back to me with his soft expression returning, “Are you having fun?”

“Yes, a lot,” I replied, over the loud music and the cracking fire. He smiled at me and Bridget’s features softened at that. They’ve never been protective of me, but I guess they were behind closed doors.

Dalton glanced at Julia who was giving him a longing look and he looked back to me. Bridget caught on and then said, “Well we were about to go home, do you want a ride to your house?”

I nodded and hugged Nick and everyone else that decided to hug me. I wasn’t fully ready to leave, but I also didn’t want to walk across the lake in drenched clothes. Well, I didn’t have to walk. I thought to myself before deciding against it.